Plug color...

[HighwayHum72]

Hello friends. This morning before my commute to work, I changed my spark plugs with the NGK "9" iridium plugs commonly referenced on the forum. This was totally easy btw, and fun, so I don't know why so many dudes and dudettes are scared of changing plugs! Anyway, I thought ya'll might be interested in having a look at the color of the old plugs. I'm interested in your opinions and or insights you might have about my motor's health. The 2004 XB12S bike has 24,666 miles and runs and drives outstanding. Known mods include custom Sebring exhaust, breathers, K & N air filter. The only difference I can report of since the change is a noticeable change in deceleration exhaust noise / pops. The deceleration is very smooth as is down shifting and exhaust pops and sputtering is virtually eliminated. No real change in seat of the pants power but I can barely hold on as it is so its a non-issue for me. Also, do you know if these are the factory installed plugs?

 

[WitWiz09]

I would say they look like normal wear at that mileage, but then again I'm not at that mileage yet, so my .02 may not be relevant. They look like original plugs, though they could have been replaced with what was taken out

 

[WitWiz09]

And I think it's more about removing the spark plug wires (since they are on the delicate side), then changing the actual plugs. Again, my .02

 

[TPEHAK]

 

[ocgreenmachine]

You also want to see the coloration of the inside walls of the plug (not the porcelain). It should be almost a nice even light tan color. If it is a grey color, you are looking lean, if it is sooty, it is rich. There are many threads debating the proper way to read plugs, but this was from a buddy of mine who spent the last 30 some odd years tuning cars and bikes.

 

[HighwayHum72]

If anything, I might be running a little lean but the color looks pretty good. If anyone else here changes plugs anytime soon I'd be interested in seeing some photos of the color.

 

[E3EJvilla]

I'll be doing my plugs here probably in the next week or two... I'll make sure to stop by and post a pic.

 

[deano925]

How often do you guys change your plugs mine have been in for a couple of years but i havent done big mileage since they were last changed

 

[ocgreenmachine]

They are cheap, so I used to change them every oil change, mainly since I check them anyways and pulled them out, might as well replace them.

 

[user_deleted]

How often do you guys change your plugs mine have been in for a couple of years but i havent done big mileage since they were last changed

NGK DCPR9EIX last the life of the motor.